Ruud Krol has revealed that he still closely monitors Orlando Pirates from his home in Europe, confirming that his bond with the Soweto giants remains strong more than a decade after his departure. The 77-year-old Dutchman, who led the Buccaneers to their historic first treble during the 2010/11 season, told Robert Marawa on 947 that he constantly checks their results, though watching Betway Premiership matches from abroad remains difficult. With Pirates now needing just one win from their final two league matches to replicate that treble-winning campaign, Krol admitted he still hopes they succeed, adding, “I have not forgotten Pirates.”
Krol also broke his silence on the real reason he left the club despite delivering unprecedented success. He explained that tensions emerged after a December loss to Kaizer Chiefs, when the club secretly signed Brazilian coach Julio Leal without informing him. Krol stated he knew about the move, and the subsequent lack of communication from the chairman created an untenable situation. “I was winning matches and there were always talks that the chairman wanted to speak to me next week, but nobody came,” he said, ultimately concluding that other clubs existed beyond Pirates.
Reflecting on the squad he left behind, Krol believes the Buccaneers had all the necessary components to win the CAF Champions League the following season, citing their strong defence, midfield, and attack. As Abdeslam Ouaddou now stands on the brink of becoming the first Pirates coach since Krol to secure a treble, the Dutch legend’s assessment of the club’s potential adds historical weight to the current campaign. Whether Ouaddou or his predecessor Jose Riveiro can match Krol’s legacy, however, remains a question only the final matches of the season can answer.